At age 55, my commute might get much longer. Doable?
#1
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At age 55, my commute might get much longer. Doable?
I have been commuting about 10 miles round trip with a nice long hill on the way in. (Pittsburgh). I am moving and my commute would be about 19 miles one way or 38 miles total on mostly flat. I used to ride one 20 mile ride a week last year to keep myself in better shape. On top of that my job is working on my feet and lifting mostly light things for 8 hours, so I am physical there too.
I am thinking of riding for fun most of the time and one day a week ride in to work with the 38 mile round trip. What do you think? It does seem like a lot, but is it?
Another point is my main commuting bike has 700x40's with a Shamano 8sp, but I have a road bike with 700x25's. Do you think it would make a huge difference in effort? The 40's are very good tires with easy roll, but some tread. All weather.
Thanks.
I am thinking of riding for fun most of the time and one day a week ride in to work with the 38 mile round trip. What do you think? It does seem like a lot, but is it?
Another point is my main commuting bike has 700x40's with a Shamano 8sp, but I have a road bike with 700x25's. Do you think it would make a huge difference in effort? The 40's are very good tires with easy roll, but some tread. All weather.
Thanks.
#3
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#4
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Hey, if you have time and the route is good, enjoy!
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Certainly doable. I was doing 40 mi round trip for about 7 yrs until Covid and WFH. I mostly sit at work though. I would usually just ride how I felt so Mon-Wed were a little faster than Thur & Fri. I also had the option to take a bus halfway home if it was miserable out or I was tired.
Definitely use your fasted bike and tires. 40mm tires will make a big difference to the amount of work you have to do. I used a backpack for many years and then switched to a pannier on a rack. A little more comfortable to ride without something on your back all the time. Rode with studded tires a few times and they really take a lot more effort!
Definitely use your fasted bike and tires. 40mm tires will make a big difference to the amount of work you have to do. I used a backpack for many years and then switched to a pannier on a rack. A little more comfortable to ride without something on your back all the time. Rode with studded tires a few times and they really take a lot more effort!
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I'd put decently fast 28s on the commuter if roads permit. Save the good bike for longer days and better weather. (If the commuter is not a drop bar bike I take that back. 20 miles is a long ways to go if you cannot get comfortably aero in a headwind.) Ride at least two days a week because with just one, it will feel hard. Two becomes routine. And (say) Tuesday, Thursday, weekend - you'll be rolling when spring hits!
Actually I might start on 32s or 35s just to get to know the road and its hazards before I moved up to 28s in the dark. And - important - first ride is on a Sunday! Maybe with a map so if any of it is sketchy, you can try other roads.
Actually I might start on 32s or 35s just to get to know the road and its hazards before I moved up to 28s in the dark. And - important - first ride is on a Sunday! Maybe with a map so if any of it is sketchy, you can try other roads.
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#7
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Certainly doable. I was doing 40 mi round trip for about 7 yrs until Covid and WFH. I mostly sit at work though. I would usually just ride how I felt so Mon-Wed were a little faster than Thur & Fri. I also had the option to take a bus halfway home if it was miserable out or I was tired.
Definitely use your fasted bike and tires. 40mm tires will make a big difference to the amount of work you have to do. I used a backpack for many years and then switched to a pannier on a rack. A little more comfortable to ride without something on your back all the time. Rode with studded tires a few times and they really take a lot more effort!
Definitely use your fasted bike and tires. 40mm tires will make a big difference to the amount of work you have to do. I used a backpack for many years and then switched to a pannier on a rack. A little more comfortable to ride without something on your back all the time. Rode with studded tires a few times and they really take a lot more effort!
I used to commute on a 3" tire bike a lot, but 5 miles isn't nearly 20 one way. I probably will take my road bike as it would be faster. Lots of saddle time!
I think I am stuck with a backpack one my road bike. My commuter has a rack.
Thanks again.
#8
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I'd put decently fast 28s on the commuter if roads permit. Save the good bike for longer days and better weather. (If the commuter is not a drop bar bike I take that back. 20 miles is a long ways to go if you cannot get comfortably aero in a headwind.) Ride at least two days a week because with just one, it will feel hard. Two becomes routine. And (say) Tuesday, Thursday, weekend - you'll be rolling when spring hits!
Actually I might start on 32s or 35s just to get to know the road and its hazards before I moved up to 28s in the dark. And - important - first ride is on a Sunday! Maybe with a map so if any of it is sketchy, you can try other roads.
Actually I might start on 32s or 35s just to get to know the road and its hazards before I moved up to 28s in the dark. And - important - first ride is on a Sunday! Maybe with a map so if any of it is sketchy, you can try other roads.
I am not getting any younger! 55 is very different than 40 to be honest. I like to pretend it isn't, but it is. lol
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#9
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I was just digesting this a bit. Might be a good idea. I think I am working on this job four days a week, so that helps. I might have to go 5 however.
Last edited by h_curtis; 03-02-21 at 09:44 PM.
#10
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Just another thought. I have three bikes to choose from. I can only take one.
1. Road bike 700x25
2. Commuter bike with Shamano 8 internal hub on rear and 700x40
c. A track bike fixed gear very light and fast with 700x23
My commute is flat and I mean flat. Sometimes I wonder if a fixed gear is easier since the thing is so light. Sure I top out at 18mph, but probably would cruise on either the road bike or the fixed at around 15mph or a little less depending how in shape I will be in. Could a fixed be a better choice? Probably not, but we are talking dead flat riding and sometimes I wonder if a fixed is the easiest bike since it is amazingly light and simple.
1. Road bike 700x25
2. Commuter bike with Shamano 8 internal hub on rear and 700x40
c. A track bike fixed gear very light and fast with 700x23
My commute is flat and I mean flat. Sometimes I wonder if a fixed gear is easier since the thing is so light. Sure I top out at 18mph, but probably would cruise on either the road bike or the fixed at around 15mph or a little less depending how in shape I will be in. Could a fixed be a better choice? Probably not, but we are talking dead flat riding and sometimes I wonder if a fixed is the easiest bike since it is amazingly light and simple.
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Every day is doable, a few people ring up 10k years in our mileage thread. (200 work days x 40 miles = 8k, roughly.) But it’s obviously a bigger time and energy investment. Not the little bonbon of alone time and fresh air of a 5 mile ride.
Im sure there’s metrics how age plays in but I’m not sure it’s the most important thing. Really fit people seem indefinitely prolonged
Im sure there’s metrics how age plays in but I’m not sure it’s the most important thing. Really fit people seem indefinitely prolonged
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That depends on what you'll be carrying. There are seat packs that are very good at storing a lot of things. For example, Ortlieb makes light and waterproof ones, and even the smaller size (11L) was big enough for me to carry anything I wanted.
In terms of a 20 mile flat ride, bike weight is pretty much a non-factor, but having the best tires for the terrain will make a major difference. Good tires offer both comfort and less rolling resistance, and do so in larger sizes without much penalty (I rode 23mm tires for a while to get less fender rub on my road bike -- the crappy roads quickly changed my mind). There is of course a need to factor in how much puncture resistance you need. With a 1 hour one-way commute, I much preferred riding fast, comfortable/supple tires over a puncture-resistant tough commuter-oriented tires, since I want to enjoy riding if I'm going to regularly spend that long on a bike.
In terms of a 20 mile flat ride, bike weight is pretty much a non-factor, but having the best tires for the terrain will make a major difference. Good tires offer both comfort and less rolling resistance, and do so in larger sizes without much penalty (I rode 23mm tires for a while to get less fender rub on my road bike -- the crappy roads quickly changed my mind). There is of course a need to factor in how much puncture resistance you need. With a 1 hour one-way commute, I much preferred riding fast, comfortable/supple tires over a puncture-resistant tough commuter-oriented tires, since I want to enjoy riding if I'm going to regularly spend that long on a bike.
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#13
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I think there is no question that this is doable, especially once a week. If you feel you need to work up to it, park along the path to lessen the distance. I doubt you will need to do that, but you also don't want to impact your job so it's your choice.
I'm 53 and haven't commuted that distance yet due to Covid, but I plan to do a 42-mile round trip a few times a week.
I'm 53 and haven't commuted that distance yet due to Covid, but I plan to do a 42-mile round trip a few times a week.
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#14
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Every day is doable, a few people ring up 10k years in our mileage thread. (200 work days x 40 miles = 8k, roughly.) But it’s obviously a bigger time and energy investment. Not the little bonbon of alone time and fresh air of a 5 mile ride.
Im sure there’s metrics how age plays in but I’m not sure it’s the most important thing. Really fit people seem indefinitely prolonged
Im sure there’s metrics how age plays in but I’m not sure it’s the most important thing. Really fit people seem indefinitely prolonged
#15
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That depends on what you'll be carrying. There are seat packs that are very good at storing a lot of things. For example, Ortlieb makes light and waterproof ones, and even the smaller size (11L) was big enough for me to carry anything I wanted.
In terms of a 20 mile flat ride, bike weight is pretty much a non-factor, but having the best tires for the terrain will make a major difference. Good tires offer both comfort and less rolling resistance, and do so in larger sizes without much penalty (I rode 23mm tires for a while to get less fender rub on my road bike -- the crappy roads quickly changed my mind). There is of course a need to factor in how much puncture resistance you need. With a 1 hour one-way commute, I much preferred riding fast, comfortable/supple tires over a puncture-resistant tough commuter-oriented tires, since I want to enjoy riding if I'm going to regularly spend that long on a bike.
In terms of a 20 mile flat ride, bike weight is pretty much a non-factor, but having the best tires for the terrain will make a major difference. Good tires offer both comfort and less rolling resistance, and do so in larger sizes without much penalty (I rode 23mm tires for a while to get less fender rub on my road bike -- the crappy roads quickly changed my mind). There is of course a need to factor in how much puncture resistance you need. With a 1 hour one-way commute, I much preferred riding fast, comfortable/supple tires over a puncture-resistant tough commuter-oriented tires, since I want to enjoy riding if I'm going to regularly spend that long on a bike.
My tire of choice for Pittsburgh has been the Continental 4 season on my road bike and track bike. I love everything about them for commuting. Tough, ride great and rolling resistance is very good. Highly recommend these. On my commuter bike I have Terra Speed 700x35 Fold Protection TR's. These are also very good for what they are.
Oops, it was late last night and I didn't realize my tires for commuting are 700x35.
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#16
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I think there is no question that this is doable, especially once a week. If you feel you need to work up to it, park along the path to lessen the distance. I doubt you will need to do that, but you also don't want to impact your job so it's your choice.
I'm 53 and haven't commuted that distance yet due to Covid, but I plan to do a 42-mile round trip a few times a week.
I'm 53 and haven't commuted that distance yet due to Covid, but I plan to do a 42-mile round trip a few times a week.
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#17
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Yeah, my 19 mile ride is the shortest safe distance I can ride. Today, I am riding 18 miles in to see how I feel. I have a month to train if I want to hit the ground running at the new job, but if it goes slower, I can live with that. I still have to work hard physically at work. That part is 7 1/2 hours of on my feet and lifting relatively light things.
I don't commute to work very often, maybe twice a week, as I'd get tired of it and then I'd be off the bike for a month or so. I have to limit it to keep it fresh and fun. My work is sitting at a desk on my fat rump so I don't have the challenge you do of working hard in addition to biking. If I had to work hard I'd REALLY consider doing the one-way trick a few times until you are sure of things.
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I think it's been said, but what I may do is drive to work with my bike and ride home, then ride back to work the next morning. I may do that until I'm sure I can do it without wanting to take a nap during the day. If I have to do that for a bit to work up to doing it both ways in a day, that's what I'll do.
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I have a 16-20 mile each way. Depending on the route. The shorter is basically 3 mountains so mostly I'm riding either up or down. The longer route puts me on a paved river trail for 12 miles. A little easier but longer.
I have driven part way and done 8 miles over two mountains. As I get ready to begin again here in the Spring, thats how I'll start.
I have driven part way and done 8 miles over two mountains. As I get ready to begin again here in the Spring, thats how I'll start.
#20
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I have a 16-20 mile each way. Depending on the route. The shorter is basically 3 mountains so mostly I'm riding either up or down. The longer route puts me on a paved river trail for 12 miles. A little easier but longer.
I have driven part way and done 8 miles over two mountains. As I get ready to begin again here in the Spring, thats how I'll start.
I have driven part way and done 8 miles over two mountains. As I get ready to begin again here in the Spring, thats how I'll start.
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#21
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I think it's been said, but what I may do is drive to work with my bike and ride home, then ride back to work the next morning. I may do that until I'm sure I can do it without wanting to take a nap during the day. If I have to do that for a bit to work up to doing it both ways in a day, that's what I'll do.
I don't commute to work very often, maybe twice a week, as I'd get tired of it and then I'd be off the bike for a month or so. I have to limit it to keep it fresh and fun. My work is sitting at a desk on my fat rump so I don't have the challenge you do of working hard in addition to biking. If I had to work hard I'd REALLY consider doing the one-way trick a few times until you are sure of things.
I don't commute to work very often, maybe twice a week, as I'd get tired of it and then I'd be off the bike for a month or so. I have to limit it to keep it fresh and fun. My work is sitting at a desk on my fat rump so I don't have the challenge you do of working hard in addition to biking. If I had to work hard I'd REALLY consider doing the one-way trick a few times until you are sure of things.
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Many commuters on this forum have done mixed-mode commuting...riding part way to a bus or train.
I'm 59 and had been commuting 18 miles round trip until recently. My weekend fun rides are 20-35 miles. My stamina is good, my strength is pretty good, my joints are pretty good, and I still recover pretty good. The only thing that has really suffered over the years is my average speed.
I agree with some of the others...if you have the time, you can do it.
I'm 59 and had been commuting 18 miles round trip until recently. My weekend fun rides are 20-35 miles. My stamina is good, my strength is pretty good, my joints are pretty good, and I still recover pretty good. The only thing that has really suffered over the years is my average speed.
I agree with some of the others...if you have the time, you can do it.
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#23
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You can try it and see how you do. I think it's going to be just fine.
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Just another thought. I have three bikes to choose from. I can only take one.
1. Road bike 700x25
2. Commuter bike with Shamano 8 internal hub on rear and 700x40
c. A track bike fixed gear very light and fast with 700x23
My commute is flat and I mean flat. Sometimes I wonder if a fixed gear is easier since the thing is so light. Sure I top out at 18mph, but probably would cruise on either the road bike or the fixed at around 15mph or a little less depending how in shape I will be in. Could a fixed be a better choice? Probably not, but we are talking dead flat riding and sometimes I wonder if a fixed is the easiest bike since it is amazingly light and simple.
1. Road bike 700x25
2. Commuter bike with Shamano 8 internal hub on rear and 700x40
c. A track bike fixed gear very light and fast with 700x23
My commute is flat and I mean flat. Sometimes I wonder if a fixed gear is easier since the thing is so light. Sure I top out at 18mph, but probably would cruise on either the road bike or the fixed at around 15mph or a little less depending how in shape I will be in. Could a fixed be a better choice? Probably not, but we are talking dead flat riding and sometimes I wonder if a fixed is the easiest bike since it is amazingly light and simple.
#25
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I ride all the way in and all the way home on my commute when weather permits. 46 miles round trip, I am 65. Don't do that every day, however.
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